BMAD-METHOD/src/peers-advisory/README.md

9.9 KiB

Peers Advisory Group Module

A structured advisory consultation module for the BMAD-METHOD framework that helps users deeply analyze complex decision-making problems through multi-round questioning and feedback from top business leaders.

Overview

The Peers Advisory Group module provides a rigorous 8-step consultation process, channeling wisdom from four legendary business leaders (Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs) to help users:

  • Uncover root causes hidden beneath surface symptoms
  • Challenge limiting assumptions and beliefs
  • Explore blind spots through diverse perspectives
  • Generate actionable solutions grounded in proven experience

Features

  • 8-Step Structured Process: From problem confirmation to action commitments
  • 4 Legendary Advisors: Default panel of Buffett, Gates, Musk, Jobs (customizable)
  • Progressive Questioning: Three rounds that gradually deepen inquiry
  • Actionable Recommendations: Specific, executable advice from each advisor
  • Beautiful Reports: Optional magazine-style HTML summary

Use Cases

  • 🎯 Career Decisions: Job changes, career pivots, entrepreneurship
  • 🎯 Business Strategy: Market entry, product direction, fundraising
  • 🎯 Complex Relationships: Team conflicts, partnership issues
  • 🎯 Personal Growth: Skill gaps, mindset challenges, life transitions

Quick Start

1. Install Module

npx bmad-method install
# Select "Peers Advisory Group" from the module list

2. Start Advisory Session

In your IDE, invoke the Advisory Facilitator agent:

/facilitator SA

Or use fuzzy matching:

/facilitator start advisory

3. Complete the Process

Follow the 8-step process:

  1. Confirm Issue - Clarify your problem and expected outcomes
  2. Round 1 Questions - 8 foundational questions (2 per advisor)
  3. Round 2 Questions - Challenging black hat questions
  4. Round 3 Questions - Divergent exploration questions
  5. Your Questions - Ask advisors for clarification
  6. Advisor Feedback - Receive complete recommendations
  7. Your Summary - Commit to specific actions with deadlines
  8. Advisor Reflections - Deep insights on growth direction

Module Structure

peers-advisory/
├── module.yaml                       # Module configuration
├── agents/
│   └── facilitator.agent.yaml        # Advisory Facilitator agent
├── workflows/
│   └── advisory-session/
│       ├── workflow.md               # Main workflow definition
│       ├── session-record.template.md # Session record template
│       ├── steps/                    # 8 step files
│       │   ├── step-01-confirm-issue.md
│       │   ├── step-02-round-1.md
│       │   ├── step-03-round-2.md
│       │   ├── step-04-round-3.md
│       │   ├── step-05-client-questions.md
│       │   ├── step-06-advisor-feedback.md
│       │   ├── step-07-client-summary.md
│       │   └── step-08-advisor-reflect.md
│       └── templates/
│           ├── feedback-format.md
│           ├── reflection-format.md
│           └── magazine-report-guide.md
├── data/
│   └── advisors/
│       └── default-advisors.md       # Default advisor profiles
└── README.md                         # This file

Configuration Options

Module Configuration

Edit {project-root}/_bmad/pag/config.yaml to customize:

Option Description Default
default_advisors Use default panel or custom yes
session_output_folder Where session records are saved {output_folder}/advisory-sessions
communication_language Session language en-US
generate_magazine_report Auto-generate HTML report ask

Custom Advisors

To use custom advisors:

  1. In Step 01, choose "Custom Panel"
  2. Specify 1-4 notable figures
  3. System generates advisor profiles automatically
  4. Confirm profiles before continuing

Example custom advisors:

  • Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos, Angela Merkel, Richard Branson
  • Ray Dalio, Satya Nadella, Mary Barra, Jensen Huang

Output Files

Session Record

  • Location: {session_output_folder}/session-YYYY-MM-DD.md
  • Format: Markdown with YAML frontmatter
  • Content: Complete dialogue transcript, all Q&A, recommendations, commitments

Magazine Report (Optional)

  • Location: {session_output_folder}/report-YYYY-MM-DD.html
  • Format: Printable HTML
  • Content: Formatted summary with visual design, advisor-specific color coding

Workflow Philosophy

Core Principles

  1. Empathy First: Accept that the client's feelings are their reality
  2. Rigorous Process: Strictly follow the 8-step sequence
  3. One Question at a Time: Wait for responses before continuing
  4. Actionable Advice: All suggestions must be specific and executable
  5. Character Consistency: Maintain each advisor's unique voice

Question Progression

Round 1 (Foundational): Understand the basics

  • What are the facts and context?
  • Who's involved and affected?
  • What are the constraints?

Round 2 (Black Hat): Challenge assumptions

  • What are you not seeing?
  • Could YOU be the problem?
  • What are you avoiding?

Round 3 (Divergent): Explore unexpected angles

  • Break mental patterns
  • Reveal unconscious beliefs
  • Find hidden connections

Integration with BMAD

Standalone Operation

The Peers Advisory Group module operates independently:

  • No dependencies on other BMAD modules
  • Can be used for any advisory consultation
  • Works with all BMAD-supported IDEs

Complementary Use Cases

Pairs well with:

  • BMM (BMad Method): Use advisory session before planning epics
  • Creative Suite: Combine with brainstorming for ideation + validation
  • Core Workflows: Run advisory on complex project decisions

Best Practices

Before the Session

  1. Prepare Your Issue: Write a brief summary beforehand
  2. Gather Context: Collect relevant data, timelines, stakeholder info
  3. Block Time: Reserve 60-90 uninterrupted minutes
  4. Set Intention: Be open to uncomfortable truths

During the Session

  1. Answer Honestly: Quality advice requires accurate information
  2. Don't Rush: Take time with challenging questions
  3. Stay Present: Resist the urge to defend or justify
  4. Take Notes: Beyond the transcript, capture your reactions

After the Session

  1. Act Within 48 Hours: Start your first commitment immediately
  2. Share Commitments: Tell someone who will hold you accountable
  3. Set Reminders: Calendar your deadline dates
  4. Revisit in 30 Days: Review the session record and assess progress

Advanced Features

Resume Interrupted Sessions

If a session is interrupted:

/facilitator RS

The facilitator will:

  • Load your most recent session file
  • Check the currentStep from frontmatter
  • Resume from that exact step

Review Advisor Profiles

To review default advisor profiles:

/facilitator LA

Multiple Sessions

You can run multiple advisory sessions:

  • Each creates a new dated session file
  • Previous sessions remain available for reference
  • Compare insights across different problems

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Problem: Advisor responses feel generic

  • Solution: Provide more context in your answers
  • Solution: Review data/advisors/default-advisors.md for character traits

Problem: Questions don't relate to my situation

  • Solution: Use custom advisors more relevant to your domain
  • Solution: Provide clearer problem context in Step 01

Problem: Can't resume session

  • Solution: Check that session file exists in session_output_folder
  • Solution: Verify YAML frontmatter shows currentStep value

Getting Help

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Areas where you can help:

  • Additional advisor profiles (historical figures, industry leaders)
  • Translations to other languages
  • Enhanced magazine report templates
  • Improved questioning strategies
  • Integration examples

See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

Credits

Inspiration

This module adapts the "Peers Advisory Group" (私董会) methodology, a structured consultation format used in executive coaching and leadership development.

BMAD Framework

Built for the BMAD-METHOD framework, an open-source AI-driven agile development system.

License

MIT License - Same as BMAD-METHOD


Example Session Flow

You: /facilitator SA

Facilitator: Hello, I'm your Peers Advisory Group facilitator...
[Asks about your problem]

You: I'm considering leaving my current company to start my own business,
but I'm not sure if it's the right time...

Facilitator: [Confirms understanding, asks clarifying questions]

Facilitator: Now we need to configure your advisor panel...

You: Let's use the default panel.

Facilitator: Excellent. Round 1 begins...

Warren Buffett asks: "Let's start with the basics - if you had to explain
this problem to your grandmother, how would you describe what's really at
stake here?"

You: [Answers...]

[Session continues through all 8 steps]

Facilitator: ✅ Advisory Session Complete
Your commitments:
1. Calculate 6-month runway by Friday
2. Interview 3 potential co-founders by end of month
3. Make go/no-go decision by March 15

Would you like me to generate a magazine-style report?

You: Yes

Facilitator: Report generated at:
/advisory-sessions/report-2025-01-23.html

Ready to get started?

/facilitator SA

Let's solve your most pressing challenge.